2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES

Presentations | Registration | Accommodations | Scholarships | Schedule | Activities | Venue

Conference Speakers
Environmental concerns make headlines daily and, too often, they relate to our Mid-Atlantic coastal environments.  What do educators, students, and citizens-at-large need to know in order to make informed decisions or take action?

Friday, Oct. 24, 2008
As part of our Welcome Social event, natural history filmmakers Michael Male and Judy Fieth of Blue Earth Films will talk about Mid-Atlantic environments and wildlife they have captured on film during their career.  And, they’ll introduce their plan to make some of their outstanding footage available on the web.

Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008
Conference sessions will feature two plenary addresses by regionally and nationally recognized marine scientists from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary.

• Benthic ecologist Dr. Linda Schaffner will help us take stock of what we know about the state of our coastal environments.
• Dean for Research& Advisory Services Dr. Roger Mann will direct our attention to emerging issues, including the potential impacts of climate change on the Mid-Atlantic region.

Concurrent Sessions
In session presentations by educators from across the Mid-Atlantic, we’ll share strategies, examples and best practices for how to teach our varied audiences. Our objective: building an ocean literate citizenry, by providing them with accurate information and problem-solving skills. 

MAMEA Auction
Members and MAMEA supporters alike are encouraged to help support Association activities by making a contribution to the Auction.  This exciting annual Conference event features diverse items – large and small: aquatic-theme gifts of all kinds; teaching resources and supplies; theme baskets; gift certificates for products, services or experiences. All proceeds from auction items support conference scholarships for local educators, enabling them to attend future conferences in the region.  All donors are acknowledged in the Conference program.  You can fill out and submit an Auction Donation Form.  Please let us know as early as possible about your donation, so we can assure your acknowledgement!

Educational Field Trips
Field trips are being offered on Friday, October 24 and Sunday, October 26.  The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has designed behind-the-scenes tours, as well as a beach walk at First Landing State Park.  Staff from Lynnhaven River NOW and Wild River Outfitters will lead a kayaking excursion in the protected waters of the Lynnhaven River.  See schedule and pricing details on the field trip page.  To sign up, please use the Conference Registration Form; all deadlines apply.